The Golden Gophers topped the University of Toledo, 2-1, in the 2013 season opener Friday before edging out North Dakota State University, 4-1, on Sunday as a part of the Gopher Tournament at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Four different Gophers were able to tally goals this weekend as the Gophers began the 2013 season with a two game winning streak.

This Week in Gopher Soccer

Minnesota is back at home this Friday, Aug. 30 as they welcome the Redbirds of Illinois State University. The match is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. The Gophers will then travel to Ames, Iowa on Sunday, Sept. 1 for their first road game of the year against Iowa State University at 1:00 p.m.

Scouting Illinois State

The Redbirds will travel to battle Minnesota after finishing opening weekend, 1-1. Illinois State was able to top Miami (Ohio), 3-2, in their home season opener. The team then fell, 4-1, to Wisconsin on Sunday without the help of their starting goalkeeper, who was unable to play due to a red card obtained in Friday's match.

Scouting Iowa State

Iowa State started their 2013 campaign with two wins against South Dakota State and South Dakota as they tallied five goals on the weekend. The Cyclones had a different player score each of their goals including Lauren Roeling, Koree Willer, Erin Green, Emily Goldstein and Jennifer Dominguez.

New Gophers See Early Playing Time

The Golden Gophers added twelve members to their roster in the off season. Four transfers, who all had collegiate experience, as well as eight incoming freshman joined the Gopher Soccer family. In the first weekend of the regular season, four incoming Gophers were part of the starting line up. Four of the five goals this weekend were scored by new members of the roster. Kolander, Stiever and Stainbrook all made their first goals as Gophers.

Freshman Josee Stiever shined during her first two games as a Golden Gopher by scoring a goal during each game. This midfielder from Cedarburg, Wisc. is a player to watch in the upcoming weeks. Taylor Stainbrook, a transfer from North Dakota State University, also scored two goals this weekend. Both of Stainbrook's goals came during Sunday's game against NDSU.

Defending the Robbie

With the reputation of being a tough home team, the Golden Gophers are looking to take advantage of their ten home games this fall. Last weekend, the Gophers had two victories at home bringing their overall record on their home pitch to 123-51-12. Minnesota looks to extend that home win count in their match against Illinois State this weekend.

Weekend Promotions

Visit the Gopher Facebook page the week prior to get a special ticket promo. We'll have a photo station set-up by the interactive area and will be taking pictures of fans at the game. We'll upload the pictures and ask fans to go onto the soccer FB page and tag themselves. We will choose a winner from the tagged pictures!

Join the Conversation

Join the conversation by following us on Twitter @gophersoccer and using the hashtags #Gophers, #GopherSoccer and #TheRobbie. You can also find us on Facebook and "Like" our page! /GoldenGopherSoccer